As Mumbai prepares to celebrate the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, on November 15, community leaders from three prominent Gurudwaras share insights into how these celebrations continue to embody Guru Nanak Dev ji’s timeless message on equality, and unity. “Let this be a time of unity, of sharing, remembering what Guru Nanak stood for. Spread love, foster unity, and always remember God,” says Gurmukh Singh, president of Gurudwara Sri Dasmesh Darbar at Thane. Langar: The selfless community meal Guru Nanak’s emphasis on langar arose as a reaction to the social injustices of his time, particularly the caste system, which dictated who could eat with whom. By establishing langar, he demonstrated that all people are equal before God. Today, gurudwaras worldwide offer langar daily, with the food prepared and served by volunteers. A defining aspect of Sikhism is the practice of langar, or the community kitchen. Langar was introduced by Guru Nanak as a means of promoting equality, where all, regardless of social status, religion, or gender, could share a meal together as equals. The concept of langar symbolises the idea that no one should go hungry and reinforces the principle of selfless service to others, a pillar of Sikh belief. At Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Darbar in Borivali, President Narendra Singh Mokha shared how langar on this day feeds thousands. “In a single day, nearly 5,000-10,000 people share langar. It’s humbling to see people from all walks of life sit and eat together.” Langar at this Gurudwara, like in many others, extends beyond feeding the body; it’s about nourishing the soul with a sense of shared community. Similarly, Dadar Gurudwara’s Manmohan Singh Rathi elaborates on the sheer scale of the langar during Guru Nanak Jayanti. “This year, we expect over 30,000 people to join us. The act of sitting together, rich or poor, Sikh or non-Sikh, reminds us that we’re all equal in the eyes of God,” he says. Rathi notes, “The purpose of Langar is to ensure that no one goes hungry and that all feel welcome.” Gurmukh Singh highlights the scale of their preparations, with volunteers gearing up to serve nearly 7,000 to 8,000 people. The Gurudwara will prepare an immense amount of food, including 400 kg of chapati, 130-140 kg of rice, and 200 kg of kheer. He explains, “Langar was a social revolution. It allowed people to sit together for food, breaking barriers.” Prabhat Pheri and Nagar Kirtan: Community on the move One of the beautiful traditions while celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti is the Prabhat Pheri – early morning processions where devotees sing hymns and carry the divine message into the streets. Leading up to the festival, Prabhat Pheris invites local communities to join in these early dawn gatherings, walking and singing together, reminding people of the core values of equality and devotion. Nagar Kirtan is another integral part of these celebrations, where the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, is carried through the streets in a beautifully adorned palanquin. At the head of the procession are the Panj Pyare or “Five Beloved Ones,” representatives of courage and selflessness. The kirtans, or hymn recitals, fill the air, transforming ordinary streets into paths of reverence and unity. Gurmukh Singh, president of Sri Dasmesh Darbar in Thane, described their Prabhat Pheris as a joyful experience that unites the community. “For three days, we walk together, sing together, reminding ourselves and others of Guru Nanak’s teachings.” Rejecting distinctions based on religion, caste, or gender, Guru Nanak promoted a universal message of love, equality, and humility, which became the bedrock of Sikh philosophy. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Talwandi, a village now known as Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. His teachings were centered on three core principles: Naam Japna (remembering God’s name), Kirat Karni (earning an honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others, especially those in need). These teachings, which guide the faith, are celebrated on his birth anniversary through acts of devotion, compassion, and service. Mokha advises embracing Guru Nanak’s teachings in daily life, “Live happily, work hard, and help those in need. This is the true Sikh path of life.” Addressing the Khalistan agenda concerning Sikhs In recent times, certain issues like Khalistan have come to be associated with Sikhism, often casting a political shadow over its peaceful teachings. However, the community leaders were unanimous in their stance. “The true Sikhism of Guru Nanak has no political agenda,” says Gurmukh Singh. “Our focus is on service, love, and universal brotherhood.” Mokha echoes this sentiment, stating, “Sikhism’s goal is not division; it is inclusion and harmony.” Rathi from Dadar Gurudwara added, “This time is sacred, and I would urge everyone to look beyond political issues and focus on the peace and unity that Guru Nanak preached.”
15 November,2024 10:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray unveiled his party's manifesto at MIG Club in Bandra on Friday, five days before the state polls, scheduled to be held on November 20. Waving the inaugural copy of the new poll manifesto, 'We Will Deliver', Thackeray said that while all the other parties are promising what they will do, his outfit is also presenting a roadmap to the voters and saying “how” it would fulfil its promises, if elected to power after the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024. Thackeray also released a booklet titled 'What We Did' in the nearly 19-year-long history of MNS, which was founded on March 9, 2006, after the party chief had quit the Shiv Sena. There are four sections in the MNS manifesto: Basic needs Communication, electricity, water planning, solid waste management, and environmental biodiversity Growth opportunities and the agricultural policy of the state Marathi identity Won't hold rally at Shivaji Park on Sunday: Raj Thackeray While speaking to mediapersons, Thackeray also said that he will not be holding a rally at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Sunday as the Election Commission (EC) is yet to grant his party permission for the event.Instead, he would visit assembly segments in Mumbai and Thane to canvass for MNS candidates, news agency PTI said. "I still have not got the permission and I have one-and-a-half days for the meeting. In these one-and-a-half days, holding rallies would become difficult. Instead, I will visit assembly seats in Mumbai and Thane," the MNS chief said. Apart from MNS, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has also been denied permission by EC to hold a rally at the iconic Shivaji Park on Sunday. According to PTI, campaigning for the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 ends at 5 pm on November 18. Besides being known as the cradle of Indian cricket, Shivaji Park, located in central Mumbai, was the venue for Bal Thackeray's first Dussehra rally after he founded the Shiv Sena in 1966. A Dussehra rally at the ground then became a Sena tradition. Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, who is the MNS chief's politically estranged cousin, said last week that his party had sought permission for a rally at Shivaji Park for Sunday, which is also the death anniversary of the Shiv Sena founder. That day, he said, lakhs of Bal Thackeray's followers would congregate at the ground. After he died in 2012, Bal Thackeray was also cremated at Shivaji Park."So we are telling the Election Commission and the police not to complicate the matter. Shiv Sainiks will anyway flock there and you cannot stop them. No Model Code of Conduct is applicable here. So to avoid any tussle and allow us to hold a rally on November 17," he had said. (With PTI inputs)
15 November,2024 06:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) recorded a footfall of more than 4.42 million passengers in October. In a press release, CSMIA stated that the festive season saw a marked surge in both domestic and international traffic. Of the 4.42 million people, more than 3.16 million were domestic passengers while over 1.25 million were international fliers. On October 26, CSMIA recorded the highest number of ATMs (air traffic management) with 939 flights on a single day, marking it the busiest day in October. The airport also saw a remarkable rise in ATMs last month, with 19,848 domestic and 7,222 international ATMs. It attributed the rise to an expanded number of travel options for passengers. According to CSMIA, the top three domestic destinations for October were Delhi, Bangalore and Goa, with 0.58 million flying between Mumbai and the national capital . The top international destinations included Dubai, Abu Dhabi and London. International passenger traffic from CSMIA was led by Middle Eastern, Asian and European regions. The Middle East had the highest share of 51% of the total international traffic, followed by Asia (23%) and Europe (17%). According to CSMIA, the traffic growth to Asia and Europe was also fuelled by flight additions by Nok Air to Don Mueang, Thailand, and Virgin Atlantic to London, United Kingdom. "Throughout October and especially during the Diwali weekend, CSMIA demonstrated its efficiency to manage high passenger volumes, enabling a smooth and seamless journey for travellers. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of service and safety, the Airport offers world-class facilities for a delightful passenger experience. As it enters the final quarter of 2024, CSMIA continues to strengthen its position as a premier international hub, delivering unparalleled connectivity to destinations across the globe," the press release stated. DRI seizes gold worth Rs 2.67 crore at Mumbai airport; two held The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 3.35 kg of gold worth Rs 2.67 crore from a woman at the Mumbai airport, an official said on Sunday, reported the PTI. The DRI had received a tip-off that a ground handling staff member of an airport service company and a customer service executive at the airport were allegedly involved in smuggling gold, the official said. The team intercepted the woman executive at the airport's exit gate and retrieved two packets containing 3.35 kg of gold in paste form from her, he said. Officers at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) also apprehended a member of the ground handling staff, who retrieved the packets from a waste cart of the flight and handed them over to the woman, who was smuggling it out of the airport using her aerodrome entry permit (AEP), the official said. He said the accused were arrested under relevant sections of the Customs Act.
15 November,2024 05:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), in a press release, stated that the fire that broke out near the non-operational A4 Entry/Exit (basement) of Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) Metro Station on Friday around 1 pm has been extinguished. The Mumbai Metro services normalised after getting clearance from fire department at 2.45 pm. No injuries were reported in the incident. The blaze in the under-construction basement had led to leakage of smoke into the operational portion of the BKC station premises, owing to which the operations at the station were temporarily paused as a precautionary measure keeping in mind passengers’ safety. However, the Mumbai Metro-3 (Aarey JVLR-Bandra Colony) services in the rest of the section were running smoothly. Earlier in the day, the civic body had stated, "The fire is confined to wooden storage and furniture in the basement, approximately 40-50 feet deep, of the Metro station. Firefighting operations are currently underway." Earlier, the BMC had said that the blaze originated in a pile of garbage near the Income Tax Office, located opposite the BKC Metro Station. 60-year-old man injured after fire breaks out at Chembur Meanwhile, a fire broke out in a building located in Mumbai's Chembur area, in which a 60-year-old man was injured, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. According to the civic body, the fire broke out at around 10:47 PM on Wednesday in building number 6, MHADA Colony, Vashi Naka, Bharatnagar, Chembur. The 60-year-old man who was injured has been identified as Nafir Sayyad. The fire spread to a gas cylinder in the kitchen of room number 12 on the ground floor of the seven-story building. After receiving a call, the fire brigade rushed to the spot. The blaze was doused after efforts for about half-an-hour. The fire was confined to a gas cylinder, clothes and other household articles in the room. Its cause was not yet known, the civic body said. "The fire was confined to the gas cylinder's main valve, regulator, clothes, household articles, and other items in the kitchen of room no. 12 on the ground floor of the seven-storey building," the civic body said.
15 November,2024 04:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Friday said that Rahul Gandhi's election rallies in Maharashtra are drawing large crowds, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi's events are failing to garner interest, reported news agency PTI. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Chennithala criticised Modi's rally on Thursday at Shivaji Park, stating, "There were empty chairs everywhere at Shivaji Park. This proves that he (the prime minister) lies so much, and people don't want to listen." The All India Congress Committee in-charge of Maharashtra announced upcoming rallies for Rahul Gandhi in Chimur (Chandrapur) and Dhamangaon (Amravati) on Saturday, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra scheduled to appear in Shirdi and Kolhapur. Priyanka will also address gatherings in Gadchiroli and lead a roadshow in Nagpur on Sunday. For the November 20 Maharashtra assembly election, the opposition MVA alliance, comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), is set to challenge the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition. Chennithala questioned the BJP's reluctance to conduct a caste census, an initiative strongly supported by Rahul Gandhi, saying the exercise will happen in the country and will show the injustice meted out to Dalits, OBCs and Adivasis, stated PTI He highlighted issues of inflation, public unrest, and unemployment, predicting a clear majority for the MVA and a "wave for power change." Chennithala also asserted that the MVA will get a clear majority in the election and that there is a wave for a power change in the poll-bound state. He also criticised the BJP for its slogans "batenge toh katenge" (we will perish if we are divided) and "ek hain to safe hain". The Congress leader criticised the BJP's campaign slogans, accusing the party of divisive tactics. "It is the BJP that is dividing people. There is no unanimity among Mahayuti allies," he added. He dismissed allegations by BJP leader Ashok Chavan against the Congress, stating, "The party gave him all posts. How can it finish him? It is Chavan who ditched the Congress." Chennithala concluded by pointing out past criticisms by PM Modi against current allies, including accusations of corruption against NCP's Ajit Pawar and disparaging remarks about Chavan. (With inputs from PTI)
15 November,2024 02:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSenior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Friday said that the people of Maharashtra will defeat the language of hate used by the BJP in the run-up to the Maharashtra elections 2024, reported news agency PTI. Singh is in Nagpur to campaign for Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidates. Talking to reporters at Nagpur airport, the AAP leader claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi meted out a step-motherly treatment to Maharashtra by shifting investments worth Rs 2 lakh crore from the state to neighbouring Gujarat, and said this was a big issue on people's minds. "The people of Maharashtra will defeat the language of hate being used (by the BJP) in the elections here," he said and expressed confidence that the MVA will win the polls with a huge majority, reported PTI. The Aam Aadmi Party is a member of the opposition INDIA bloc. Giving a fresh spin on the saffron party's slogan, "batenge toh katenge", Singh said, "Na batiye, na katiye, milke BJP ko rapatiye (don't get divided, don't perish, together ensure the BJP's fall)," reported PTI. A few BJP leaders have been using the slogan "batenge toh katenge" (we will perish if we are divided) in campaigns for the November 20 state elections, inviting criticism from opposition parties. "This has been country's history, see nothing wrong in it": Devendra Fadnavis backs CM Yogi's 'Batenge toh Katenge' slogan As the Maharashtra elections 2024 inches closer there has been a huge debate on UP CM Yogi Adityanath's slogan of 'Batenge to Katenge' calling for Hindu unity. While some members of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance have voiced their reservations, state Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that he does not see anything wrong in the slogan, stating that this has been the history of our country. "I don't see anything wrong in Yogi ji's slogans. Look at the history of this country. Jab Jab bate hai tab gulam bane hai. Whenever this country was divided into castes, states, divided into communities society we became slaves. The country was also divided, and so were the people. That's why if we divide, we will cut. This is the history of this country," Fadnavis told ANI. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
15 November,2024 02:45 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentEarlier this year, Milind Deora joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, breaking decades of ties with the Indian National Congress. Ten months after he started a new political journey, the Rajya Sabha lawmaker is fighting hard to wrest the Worli seat from Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Aaditya Thackeray in a Sena vs Sena battle. Speaking about his motivation for joining the assembly racedespite being a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), Deora points to his deep personal ties to South Mumbai. “My relationship with this area and its people is a family relationship,” he said. “South Mumbai is my Janma Bhoomi (birthplace) and Karma Bhoomi (place of work). Serving here is a commitment, whether I am in power or not.” On Thackeray’s criticism Deora’s decision to contest the election has drawn criticism from Thackeray, who recently suggested that he should have resigned as a Rajya Sabha MP before stepping into the assembly race. Deora, however, dismissed the criticism, calling it “misinformed”. “Aaditya is young.. “To get him elected here – an outsider– two local Worli MLAs had to be displaced. I don’t think someone with that background should be advising others.” ‘Committed to preserving the Koli community’s heritage’ The Koli community, Worli’s original inhabitants, have time and again expressed concerns about how development projects could impact their heritage. Deora is clear that his priority is to respect their wishes. “We will fully support whatever they wish,” he asserted. “If they want to preserve the Koliwada as a traditional Gaothan, we stand by them. It’s their heritage, and our role is to support their choice.” He also criticised the opposition’s attempts to scare residents about development projects. Deora argued that the opposition relies on “fear tactics,” using development plans to create anxiety among the people. “They scare people by saying the racecourse will become a tower, which hasn’t happened. They use fear to halt the Vadhavan port and delay the Navi Mumbai airport and the Metro by four years. Fear works briefly, but hope and truth prevail in the long run.” Talking about his immediate priorities after getting elected, Deora puts forth a straightforward answer. “My priority is to be available to the people. Whether I am in Parliament, the assembly, in power, or out of power, my commitment to South Mumbai doesn’t change,” he said. The need for redevelopment Worli’s biggest challenge, according to Deora, is the need for comprehensive redevelopment. “The key issue is redevelopment across Worli and much of Mumbai. People need redevelopment projects that improve living conditions and renew old structures,” the Rajya Sabha MP said, reflecting on Mumbai’s ageing infrastructure and the urgency of modernising housing and public spaces. ‘Practical solutions needed for traffic management’ On the issue of traffic, Deora dismissed Thackeray’s recent suggestion of deploying officers on every road and termed it was a “silly” idea. Instead, he argued that effective traffic management requires a world-class public transport system that draws even car owners to use it. “Good public transportation is essential,” he stated. “That’s the real solution. Around the world, in places such as London and New York, even the wealthy use public transportation when it’s efficient and reliable. That’s the direction Mumbai should be heading towards.” Deora also stressed on his vision that focuses on long-term, sustainable solutions over quick fixes, emphasising the role of infrastructure and public systems. On creating open spaces in Worli Worli residents have expressed a desire for more recreational spaces, and Deora has ambitious plans to address this. He envisions a major park in Mahalakshmi Racecourse, similar to New York’s Central Park. “We’re working to create one of the largest parks in the country at Mahalakshmi Racecourse,” he explained. “Aaditya Thackeray is opposing this because he failed to renew the lease between BMC and the racecourse and is now preventing others from moving forward.” Stating that creating accessible green spaces is a priority, Deora criticised the opposition’s resistance to these efforts. When will municipal elections happen? The municipal elections have been delayed owing to a variety of factors. Deora points out to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota issue in the Supreme Court as a significant reason behind the delay. “This delay has been an issue even for the MVA,” he noted and said the Election Commission should expedite the process, as the polls are “essential for serving the people’s interests”. Rejecting ‘speed breaker’ politics Deora’s message to Worli’s residents is clear. “I urge everyone to go out and vote,” he said. “Avoid speed breaker politics like that of Aaditya Thackeray’s. Choose leaders who drive Mumbai forward, not those who create potholes and roadblocks.” While Deora promises a leadership that combines his focus on development, respect for heritage, and practical solutions, it is worthy to be noted that neither he nor Thackeray are a local ‘Worlikar’. Worlikars have a tough choice to make on the day of the polls as it is a battle for the future direction of one of Mumbai’s most vibrant constituencies.
15 November,2024 02:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Katyayani KapoorFire broke out in the basement of Mumbai Metro station in Bandra Kurla Complex on Friday, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body stated, "The fire is confined to wooden storage and furniture in the basement, approximately 40-50 feet deep, of the Metro station. Firefighting operations are currently underway." As a precautionary measure, passengers were swiftly evacuated, ensuring their safety. Earlier, the BMC had said that the blaze originated in a pile of garbage near the Income Tax Office, located opposite the BKC Metro Station. Officials said that the BKC Metro Station was temporarily shut down for operations, but the rest of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 remains fully functional. "Passenger services at BKC station are temporarily closed due to a fire outside Entry/Exit A4, which caused smoke to enter the station. For passenger safety, we have paused services. Please proceed to Bandra Colony station for alternative boarding," the MMRC said in a statement. The BMC said that no injuries have been reported so far. 60-year-old man injured after fire breaks out at Chembur Meanwhile, a fire broke out in a building located in Mumbai's Chembur area, in which a 60-year-old man was injured, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. According to the civic body, the fire broke out at around 10:47 PM on Wednesday in building number 6, MHADA Colony, Vashi Naka, Bharatnagar, Chembur. The 60-year-old man who was injured has been identified as Nafir Sayyad. The fire spread to a gas cylinder in the kitchen of room number 12 on the ground floor of the seven-story building. After receiving a call, the fire brigade rushed to the spot. The blaze was doused after efforts for about half-an-hour. The fire was confined to a gas cylinder, clothes and other household articles in the room. Its cause was not yet known, the civic body said. "The fire was confined to the gas cylinder's main valve, regulator, clothes, household articles, and other items in the kitchen of room no. 12 on the ground floor of the seven-storey building," the civic body said. The injured man was taken to the civic-run Sion Hospital with approximately 30 per cent burns on his hands, face, and neck, the BMC said. Man dead, another injured after fire in Mumbai's Goregaon Earlier, a 23-year-old man died and another was seriously injured after a fire erupted in Goregaon area of Mumbai on Sunday, officials said. The fire broke out while refilling refrigerant gas in a vehicle opposite a garage, the officials said. According to preliminary information, the leakage of refrigerant gas from a compressor while refilling it in a vehicle triggered the blaze, which burned the electric wiring and other parts of the vehicle. A fire brigade official said a parked bike was also damaged.
15 November,2024 02:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra elections 2024, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, on Thursday defended his decision to offer a ticket to Nawab Malik to contest from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, despite the serious allegations against him, reported ANI. Malik was arrested in 2022 on charges of having links with Dawood Ibrahim's associates, but no court has proven these allegations yet. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Pawar stated, "The allegation against Nawab Malik has not been proven, so why not give him a ticket?" He compared Malik's situation to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who faced accusations during his time in office. "Many allegations were made against Rajiv Gandhi, like Bofors, but that doesn't mean he is an accused. This is a democracy, we can't blame anyone without evidence," Pawar said. Pawar then emphasised that allegations must be proven in court before anyone is declared guilty. "Allegations are easy to make, but they must be proven in court. Right now, these are just accusations. We are not accusing anyone without solid proof," he said, reported ANI. The NCP leader also addressed the practice of making allegations in politics, noting that it happens frequently but does not always have solid backing. "In a democracy, anyone can make accusations against anyone," he added. He mentioned that even allegations against figures like Rajiv Gandhi did not lead to a legal conviction, reported ANI. Pawar also responded to Maha Vikas Aghadi's allegations that the current Mahayuti government is influenced by industrialists, especially regarding business magnates like Adani. "This is 101% wrong. In Maharashtra, it doesn't work like that. There are very big industries in Maharashtra, but they do their work separately, and the Maharashtra government looks after the state's affairs. Now, they (the opposition) throw such allegations during the election," he added, reported ANI. He continued, "So, you see, all the Chief Ministers who have been made till date, all the Chief Ministers. One (Eknath Shinde) is from Shiv Sena, and only for 5 years did Devendra Fadnavis of BJP become the Chief Minister, Uddhav was also from Shiv Sena,... and the rest are all from Congress. Everyone works with them (the industrialists). So, which Chief Minister decided after listening to the industrialists? They should say." Earlier in the interview, Pawar also explained why all candidates of the NCP had not attended Prime Minister Modi's rally in Mumbai. He stated, "On that day, there was a rally in Pune. There were 21 candidates from the Mahayuti alliance. But 5-6 didn't come, and only 15 attended. No one questioned why they weren't there. But when Zeeshan, Sana, and others didn't attend, it became a point of discussion." He added that the absence of certain candidates was due to scheduling conflicts, reported ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
15 November,2024 02:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs the 'Batenge toh Katenge' slogan has taken centre stage in the Maharashtra elections 2024, Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar said that he does not endorse the slogan and backed PM Modi's 'Ek hai toh Safe hai" slogan. The slogan has been widely condemned by the opposition leaders, claiming communal overtones in it. "I have expressed my disagreement on this (Batenge toh Katenge) in a public rally and media interviews. Some BJP leaders have also expressed the same. 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' means together with all, development for all...Now, 'Ek hain toh safe hain...I see it from this angle," Ajit Pawar said in an interview with ANI. Expressing his displeasure with the slogan he said, "We immediately said that this is not Uttar Pradesh, it must be going on in the North, not in our Maharashtra." Earlier, in an interview with ANI, BJP leader Fadnavis, who is in alliance with Ajit Pawar's NCP under the Mahayuti banner said that there is nothing wrong with the slogan. "I don't see anything wrong in Yogi ji's slogans. Look at the history of this country. Jab Jab bate hai tab gulam bane hai. Whenever this country was divided into castes, states, divided into communities society we became slaves. The country was also divided, and so were the people. That's why if we divide, we will be cut. This is the history of this country," Fadnavis said in an interview with ANI. "And I don't understand that if someone says don't divide, then what is the point of objecting to this?" he added. The campaigning has intensified for the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra, with both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) making efforts to woo the electorate. The Maharashtra elections 2024 are scheduled for November 20, and counting will be held on November 23. Ajit Pawar further highlighted the campaign ahead of state assembly polls on November 20 saying that his party's intention is to get as many votes for the Mahayuti alliance. "I am a member of the alliance and we are involved in it. Our intention is to win as many votes as possible for Mahayuti, and we are going according to that," he added. "The work we have done, the plans we have brought, you must have seen that in about 2-3 months, I am going to Maharashtra through Janh Samman Yatra... We have only one goal, the Mahayuti government should come back," the NCP leader stated. (With inputs from ANI)
15 November,2024 01:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith just days remaining before the Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has accused the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of sowing division within society to secure votes. He further stated that if their political rivals continue to engage in deceptive tactics, the ruling party would be compelled to respond in kind, invoking the phrase "Eent Ka Jawab Patthar Se" (respond to a brick with a stone). Referring to his remarks about the elections being a 'Dharmyuddh', Fadnavis explained the concept using a Sanskrit shlok: "Yato Dharmastato Jayah," meaning "Where there is Dharma, there will be victory". He argued that the Mahayuti, the ruling alliance, was fighting for "Satya" (truth), while the opposition was engaged in a battle for "Asatya" (falsehood). In an exclusive interview with ANI, Fadnavis clarified that the Mahayuti had never called for Hindus to fight for 'Dharmyuddh' but instead had committed to fighting for the cause of truth. "There are only a few days left for the elections, and after that, we will take necessary steps with the Election Commission," he added. The Deputy Chief Minister went on to accuse the MVA of dividing society for electoral gain, saying, "These people (MVA) have divided the society to gain votes. When we contest elections, we do so without any weapons, but if the opposition continues to deceive, we will answer them. We believe in Gandhiji and non-violence, but we will not stand by while the opposition hits us repeatedly," he said. Fadnavis also responded to AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi's remarks on the name of Aurangabad, stating that the city should remain as Sambhaji Nagar, reflecting the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. "This land belongs to Shivaji Maharaj, not the Razakars," he asserted, reminding Owaisi that the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had inflicted severe atrocities on Shivaji Maharaj and his followers. When asked about the opposition's comments regarding the BJP’s loss in the Ayodhya seat, Fadnavis dismissed the significance of the result. He stated that the people of Ayodhya still want the Ram Mandir, regardless of election outcomes. "Losing or winning an election doesn’t alter the truth. The people of Ayodhya still want the Ram Mandir," he affirmed. Fadnavis also criticised the MVA for allegedly entertaining the demands of the All India Ulema Board, which had allegedly written a letter of support to the opposition. "This is the Congress’s mentality—to divide the country," he said, accusing the MVA of catering to divisive elements. As campaigning heats up for the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra, both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition MVA are making significant efforts to win over voters ahead of the elections on November 20, with counting scheduled for November 23. (With inputs from ANI)
15 November,2024 01:39 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
